It was a matter of so close and yet so far for the Mustangs of East Marshall as the quest for a state title was derailed by stubborn Alta-Aurelia  2 to 1 at the 2A State Softball Tourney in Fort Dodge yesterday. Aside from a first inning tally, the Mustangs couldn’t break through against Abby Kraemer. East Marshall will battle Mount Ayr for third place at state this evening at 7:00.